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Research now suggests that a widely used blood pressure medication, which is prescribed to numerous people across Britain, might significantly alleviate one of the most disabling symptoms of ADHD.
The medications currently accessible for this condition come with notable adverse effects such as headaches, disrupted sleep patterns, and diminished appetite. Approximately one-quarter of patients do not respond favorably to any ADHD drugs.
However, amlodipine, when taken every day, might be equally effective in reducing hyperactivity with minimal notable side effects, according to scientists' beliefs.
The research conducted on zebrafish — creatures that have 70 percent of their genetic material in common with humans — revealed that amlodipine has the ability to counteract overactive neurons in the brain, reducing excessive electrical impulses responsible for causing hyperactivity.
Specialists who deemed the results 'encouraging' mentioned that the medication might provide a more secure therapeutic choice for individuals suffering from ADHD.
Dr. Matthew Parker, who co-authored the study and is a senior lecturer in neuroscience at the University of Surrey, stated: "Reusing amlodipine, a widely recognized hypertension drug, presents a hopeful and rapid route for tackling ADHD symptoms."
'Ours is the finding that because of its current approved status and proven safety record, amlodipine might swiftly be repurposed as an intervention for ADHD, possibly offering assistance to patients more quickly compared to formulating novel drugs.'
Amlodipine, priced at 4p per tablet, is prescribed to individuals suffering from hypertension to help prevent cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes.
It reduces blood pressure through relaxation and dilation of the blood vessels, thereby facilitating smoother circulation of blood throughout the body by easing the workload on the heart.
Individuals with ADHD may experience severe symptoms such as trouble focusing, constant fidgeting, and reduced ability to manage impulses.
The group of scientists from the United Kingdom, Iceland, and Germany mentioned regarding their recent discoveries: ' A substantial primary impact was observed. with amlodipine resulting in fewer impulsive reactions exhibited by the fish.
Writing in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology They also mentioned that this occurred due to amlodipine reducing neuronal activity.
Scientists subsequently studied the impact of amlodipine on British individuals who had already been diagnosed with ADHD.
Leveraging information from the UK Biobank health initiative, researchers found that more than fifty individuals above the age of 50 who were using amlodipine also mentioned taking drugs commonly prescribed for ADHD.
These patients reported fewer mood fluctuations and reduced tendencies towards risky actions compared to individuals using alternative blood pressure medications such as ramipril, which is marketed under the brand name Tritace, the researchers noted.
NHS Statistics indicate that over 230,000 individuals in England are currently undergoing this. ADHD medications to address their distractibility and hyperactivity.
Last year saw prescription rates increase by one-fifth, representing the largest yearly jump since contemporary records started in 2015.
The data indicates that this trend is primarily driven by an increase among women in their 20s and 30s, though the rates continue to climb even in children.
Specialists have cautioned that unauthorized private clinics may be diagnosing this condition excessively and have raised concerns about the common use of potent stimulants for treatment.
Typical adverse reactions associated with these medications—Ritalin being the most recognized among them—encompass restlessness and irritability, sleepiness, lightheadedness, loose stools, and queasiness or throwing up.
The rapidly growing market is believed to have been driven by celebrities like model Katie Price and Love Island star Olivia Attwood Discussing their struggles with ADHD and the wait times of up to ten years for an evaluation through the NHS.
Social media platforms abound with users sharing experiences about how medications assisted them in calming down, managing their restlessness, and enhancing their focus.
However, experts have also contended that ADHD was not until 2008 formally recognized in the UK as an adult-related condition.
Until then, it was considered merely a childhood issue that children would eventually grow out of.
Consequently, instead of being overdiagnosed, several experts argue that many adults currently receiving an ADHD diagnosis may have had their symptoms overlooked for years.
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